Mr Helmer, said MEPs currently receive £15,000 per month for the cost of employing assistants in Brussels and their constituencies.

However, the budgets committee has approved an increase in this allowance claiming the Lisbon Treaty, which was approved last year and governs how the EU is run, will mean more responsibilities for politicians.

Mr Helmer said: "Existing allowances are perfectly adequate, and I expect to be under spent this year. The Lisbon Treaty has not created any significant extra work-load.

"While everyone else is tightening their belts, it's time for MEPs to do the same."